Monthly Archives: August 2009
Federal Seizures of Indian Art Puts Damper on Indian Market
From the Denver Post (H/T M.C.): SANTA FE, N.M.—An intensifying federal investigation into the sale of Native American artifacts has brought fear and uncertainty to one of the nation’s largest and longest-running Indian artifact shows. Wealthy collectors are more cautious … Continue reading
Filed under Author: Matthew L.M. Fletcher, cultural resources, News
Did Indian Nations Influence the American Founders?
Whether or not the Founders or Framers — the people who helped to form the American government — influenced the structure of the United States government is a fairly raucous debate that recurs again and again. We are reminded of … Continue reading
Filed under Author: Matthew L.M. Fletcher, legal history
Michigan COA Decides ICWA Case — Conditional Remand
Here is the unpublished opinion in In re Toia. An excerpt: Under the circumstances, and because we conclude that the trial court properly terminated respondents’ parental rights under Michigan law, we conditionally affirm the trial court’s termination order, but remand … Continue reading
Filed under Author: Matthew L.M. Fletcher, Research
Sixth Circuit Affirms Dismissal of Oklahoma Ottawa Treaty Claims — Declines to Apply Laches
Here is the Sixth Circuit’s opinion in Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma v. Logan — Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma v Ohio DNR. The lower court had made its primary holding that the Ottawa Tribe’s treaty claims were barred by laches, as … Continue reading
Ninth Circuit Affirms Puget Sound Chinook Plan that Does Not Allow for “Recovery” of Fish Population
Here is the Ninth Circuit’s unpublished opinion in Salmon Spawning & Recovery Alliance v. NOAA, and a partial dissent. Here is the tribal amicus brief (SSRA v NOAA — Tribal Amicus Brief). Judge Berzon writes in dissent: I agree with … Continue reading
Gun Lake Reservation Declared
From DOI: WASHINGTON – Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk announced today that the Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians of Michigan’s reservation proclamation has been signed. Approximately 147 acres, more or less, will serve as the Tribe’s initial reservation under … Continue reading
Filed under Author: Matthew L.M. Fletcher, Michigan Indian, News
Cash for Clunkers Doesn’t Do Much for Navajos
Article from the Navajo Times here via Pechanga. Three reasons, it appears. One, the program isn’t designed for true “clunkers,” that is, the Buick up on blocks in the front yard: “I have a lot of people come and tell me, … Continue reading
Filed under Author: Matthew L.M. Fletcher, News
Tribal Business and Biofuel
From the NYTs: IGNACIO, Colo. — An unusual experiment featuring equal parts science, environmental optimism and Native American capitalist ambition is unfolding here on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation in southwest Colorado. With the twin goals of making fuel from algae and … Continue reading
ICT Editorial on Justice Sotomayor and Indian Country
From Indian Country Today: Sotomayor could make a difference By Matthew L.M. Fletcher, Guest editorial Indian Country is celebrating the confirmation of Justice Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court – and rightfully so. But those observers hoping for … Continue reading
Filed under Author: Matthew L.M. Fletcher, News, Supreme Court
American Indian Tribal Law
Facing the Future: The Indian Child Welfare Act at 30
Federal Indian Law: Cases and Materials (6th ed.)
The Eagle Returns: The Legal History of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
